Cubital tunnel infomatic monitor

ABSTRACT

A device, system and method for monitoring cubital tunnel syndrome (“CuTS”). The device comprises a body configured to be worn by a user, sensors, a processor, a vibration mechanism, and a power source. The sensors monitor a position of the user&#39;s hand to prevent CuTS. The processor of the device is configured to determine if the user&#39;s hand is in a CuTS position and the processor is configured to generate an alert signal to alert the user to the CuTS position.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/479,386, filed on Apr. 5, 2017, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/413,967,filed on Oct. 27, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/434,412, filed Dec. 15, 2016, which are all hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to devices to prevent andrecover form carpal tunnel syndrome.

Description of the Related Art

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) accounts for nearly 2 billion dollars inestimated care cost within the United States. With that staggering costin mind new and innovative ways to prevent CTS can yield huge gains foremployers while sparing individuals the pain. Sadly the current state ofart for CTS is very rudimentary. Doctors inform people that they mostlikely have CTS and prescribe them anti-inflammatories and then ask themto buy a rigid brace. The normal amount of time lost to CTS is 27 days.Workplaces are then adjusted to help prevent further injury at theexpense to the employer. The employer's cost doesn't stop there becausestatistically people who develop CTS on a certain job leave within 18months for a new job. Instead of looking at the problem after the factour technology solution provides a way to quantify, monitor andcategorize motions, and provide feedback tools to individuals as well assupervisors to help prevent CTS.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a device for monitoring carpaltunnel syndrome (“CTS”). The device comprises a body configured to beworn by a user, sensors, a processor, a vibration mechanism, and a powersource. The sensors monitor a position of the user's hand to preventCTS. The processor of the device is configured to determine if theuser's hand is in a CTS position and the processor is configured togenerate an alert signal to alert the user to the CTS position.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for monitoringcarpal tunnel syndrome (“CTS”). The method includes monitoring aposition of the user's hand to prevent CTS using a plurality of sensorson an article. The method also includes determining that the user's handis in a CTS position from a signal from the plurality of sensors. Themethod also includes generating an alert signal to alert the user to theCTS position.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an article for monitoringcarpal tunnel syndrome (“CTS”). The article comprises a body configuredto be worn by a user, a plurality of sensors, a processor, a vibrationmechanism, and a power source. The plurality of sensors monitors aposition of the user's hand to prevent CTS. The processor of the articleis configured to determine if the user's hand is in a CTS position andthe processor is configured to generate an alert signal to alert theuser to the CTS position.

The sensors are preferably either a single or multiple piezoelectricsensors. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors are inertiameasurement unit (IMU) sensors. In yet an alternative embodiment, thesensors are a combination of IMU and piezoelectric sensors. In variousembodiments, each of the sensors preferably has an LED for indication ofproper hand position.

In one embodiment, the article is a watch, and the plurality of sensorscomprises an IMU sensor. In another embodiment, the article is a gloveor fingerless sleeve.

In one embodiment, the alert signal is an audio alert. In anotherembodiment, the alert signal is a visual alert.

In one embodiment, the alert is a vibration mechanism vibrating forindication of a proper hand position.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and furtherobjects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by thoseskilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description ofthe invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of down-hand carpal use of a mouse by a user.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of up-hand carpal of a mouse by a user.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of good carpal use of a mouse by a user.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring carpal tunnelsyndrome.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a device for monitoring carpal tunnelsyndrome on a hand of a user.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a device for monitoring carpal tunnelsyndrome on a hand of a user.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a display screen for a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 8 is a communication sequence diagram for a system for monitoringcarpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 9 is block diagram of components for a device of a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged block diagram of circuitry for a device of asystem for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user utilizing a system for monitoringcarpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of a system for monitoring carpaltunnel syndrome.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a mobile device utilized with a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a server utilized with a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring carpal tunnelsyndrome.

FIG. 15A is an illustration of good carpal use of a mouse by a user.

FIG. 15B is an illustration of bad carpal use of a mouse by a user.

FIG. 15C is an illustration of bad carpal use of a mouse by a user.

FIG. 16A is an illustration of good carpal use of a keyboard by a user.

FIG. 16B is an illustration of bad carpal use of a keyboard by a user.

FIG. 16C is an illustration of bad carpal use of a keyboard by a user.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of circuitry for an alternative embodiment ofa device of a system for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a device of asystem for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a device formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome on a hand of a user.

FIG. 19A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a device formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome on a hand of a user.

FIG. 20 a communication sequence diagram for an alternative embodimentof a system for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a network for monitoring carpal tunnelsyndrome.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a monitoring device on an elbow of a user.

FIG. 23 is a communication sequence diagram for a security protocol fora system for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 24A is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 24B is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 25A is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 25B is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 25C is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 25D is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of cubital tunnel sleeve device.

FIG. 27 is a communication sequence diagram for a data upload for asystem for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 28A is an illustration of a sensor gap.

FIG. 28B is an illustration of a sensor gap.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of a cubital tunnel sleeve device on an elbowof a user.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of a C-TIM on a hand of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The carpal tunnel infomatic monitor (C-TIM) is a state of the artmonitor system designed to quantify and monitor wrist position for auser's single wrist or both wrists.

The C-TIM wrist glove/sleeve itself is preferably composed of a flexiblematerial or a rigid material based on consumer preferences.

The C-TIM preferably utilizes both wired and wireless means ofcommunication with a host system to provide data to an applicationsoftware running on a computing device such as a laptop computer,desktop computer or Smartwatch or mobile device.

In one embodiment, the C-TIM comprises a microprocessor, a vibrationmechanism, a wireless chipset such as WiFi, BT, BTLE, UWB or NFC, aplurality of 10 Degree of Freedom (DOF) sensor technology (Gyroscopes),and a battery.

In an alternative embodiment, the C-TIM comprises a microprocessor, avibration mechanism, a wireless chipset such as WiFi, BT, BTLE, UWB orNFC, a plurality of IMU, and a battery.

The C-TIM alternatively includes a charging circuit depending upon whichtype of battery technology is incorporated.

The C-TIM alternatively includes include a blood rate monitor.

The C-TIM alternatively includes LEDs to indicate if the wrist is in aproper position.

The C-TIM alternatively includes LEDs to indicate the state of the powercircuit and battery power level.

The C-TIM alternatively includes a sound buzzer which is utilized togive additional feedback to users about proper or improper wristposition.

The C-TIM alternatively includes a shaking/motion device to givephysical feedback in terms of correct or incorrect wrist position.

C-TIM is preferably configured with any number of IMUs directlyintegrated onto the same board as the microprocessor, or a subset ofIMUs directly integrated onto the same board as the microprocessor andremaining subset connected to that board in some fashion, or all IMUsconnected to the microprocessor board in some manner known to thoseskilled in the pertinent art.

The C-TIM is preferably composed of a microprocessor with embeddedwireless technology such as WiFi, BT, BTLE, UWB, or NFC, and the neededsensor technology.

The C-TIM sensor technology preferably includes any combination of thefollowing depending on the information required: zero or more IMUs, zeroor more blood rate sensors, zero or more force sensors, zero or morepush buttons/switches, and zero or more strain sensors.

The C-TIM wrist monitor system is a novel and innovative solution tocarpal tunnel monitoring because of its inclusion of real-timeprocessing of wrist position and alerting a user that the user isstressing his/her wrist in a manner that could lead to CTS.

The C-TIM platform preferably includes a mechanism to store all data toa cloud database for further processing and analytics.

The C-TIM software solution also preferably includes an algorithm todetermine words, keystroke pattern mannerisms, mouse movements, andother profile information about the situation that may cause anincorrect wrist position. The algorithm is designed to determine whichapplications cause injury and that information is then used by the userto help correct hand position, provide feedback to the implementers ofthe program, and/or provided to researchers. The software algorithm isalso utilized to train users to avoid the wrist stress positions.

In one embodiment, the C-TIM system encompasses a software dashboardwhere an individual's usage records, patterns and information is viewedin more detail. The dashboard is further extended in an enterprise modelconcept that includes the capability to add and track numerous C-TIMinstances and assign them to individuals. This type of applicationpreferably provides feedback of ergonomic improvements to the workplace,and produces the correct wrist position for individuals. Alternatively,the dashboard includes a feature that shows which user of a group isputting the most stress on his/her wrist.

Alternatively, a web portal and/or mobile application are provided bywhich an ergonomic manager determines which individual has the worstwrist angle.

Alternatively, a web portal and/or mobile application are provided bywhich an ergonomic manager sorts and filters users' attributes. Suchattributes allow for ergonomic managers to test and trial out newworkplace equipment and configuration in an attempt to determine whathelps cohorts of users the best.

Preferably a C-TIM device is provided to a single individual user, butC-TIM devices may also be provided to departments such that numeroususers may checkout and use the C-TIM device on different days. With thisembodiment of numerous users of a single C-TIM device, a design thatincludes disposable inserts placed within the sleeve allows forreusability between users.

In one embodiment, data from sensors is categorized by wrist position.

In another embodiment, data from wrist position and other informationsuch as heart rate information is processed into an actionable advicefor the consumer. Such advice may include modifications to theenvironment in which the computer interaction is occurring, modificationto the individual's wrist position, and or advice to get up and walk forfive minutes as the person has been typing continuously for fifty-fiveminutes.

In another embodiment, data from sensors is categorized into wristposition as well as a calculation if that position is “optimal”,“borderline”, or “bad.” The “optimal”, “borderline”, or “bad”calculation is preferably calibrated for each individual.

The C-TIM software program preferably visually or audibly providesfeedback to users when the categorized wrist position is in an“optimal”, “borderline” or bad position.

Preferably a web Portal and/or mobile application is provided by whichan ergonomic manager views analytics of numerous employees.

The analytics preferably include but are not limited to: right hand,left hand, or both hands, time of use, duration of use, average wristangle, max wrist angle, time at each given wrist angle, typing time,mouse time, application in use, and RSSI value.

The device preferably uses the sensor data to compute an angle of theuser's hand relative to the user's wrist. In one embodiment, the C-TIMdevice includes an accelerometer and a number of gyros/compass sensorswhich are used to create pitch and yaw.

Consumers after putting on the C-TIM device and activating it, will needto calibrate the C-TIM device. In the embodiment, where the C-TIM deviceis operating in standalone mode, where it is not connected to a hostdevice via wired or wireless means, the calibration is done by pressinga button on the C-TIM device. The button then sets a base position forthe user, and will alert the user when an inappropriate wrist angle hasbeen reached. The alert is done in standalone mode by a vibration, asound, or a light change.

In the case where the C-TIM device is operating in a connected mode,where the device is communicating with the host, the software may ask ifcalibration data isn't present for the user to place their wrist in aflat position for some number of seconds. When that timeframe has beenreached with a valid calibration measurement (e.g., the user's handisn't moving erratically) the system stores the calibration for futureuse. Users are then notified via a notification on the host device whenthe user's wrist moves into an improper angle.

The angle is calculated by determining a user's calibrated flat value,where both IMU sensors baseline become a plane, and then determining ifchange in relative slope on the key access has gone past a predeterminedthreshold where carpal tunnel syndrome may occur. The threshold in thecase of the standalone is hardcoded into the system or configured viasome mechanism such as button press length or wired configuration. Thethreshold in the case of the connected C-TIM device is manageable via acontrol panel, which is accessed on the host device. The control panelallows the user to select a frequency of notification, an amount of timebeyond the threshold before a notification should be sent, and an angleof the threshold.

FIG. 1 illustrates a down-hand carpal use of a mouse 151 by a userwherein a user's hand 15 a is at a downward angle 10 relative to auser's wrist 15 c.

FIG. 2 illustrates an up-hand carpal use of a mouse 151 by a userwherein a user's hand 15 a is at an upward angle 10 relative to a user'swrist 15 c.

FIG. 3 illustrates a good carpal use of a mouse 151 by a user whereinthe user's hand 15 a is at a zero angle 10 relative to the user's wrist15 c.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system 100 for monitoring CTS. The system100 preferably includes a device 25 worn by a user, a computer 110running a software application 130 for monitoring CTS, and a clouddatabase 170 comprising a consumer data portal 175 and an ergonomicmanager portal 180. The monitoring device 25 preferably includes amicroprocessor with an integrated wireless transceiver, a LED, abattery, a first IMU and a second IMU.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a device 25 b (a fingerless glove) formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome on a hand 15 a of a user. The device25 b includes a body 30, a first circuit board, a second circuit board32, a first sensor 40 a on the second circuit board 32, a second sensor40 b on the first circuit board 31, and a wire 41 connected between thecircuit boards 31 and 32.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer 110 for a system 100 for monitoring carpaltunnel syndrome. The computer 110 has a display screen 115. A softwareapplication running on the computer generates a warning 116 when a userthat is wearing a device 25 is in a CTS position when using a mouse orkeyboard.

FIG. 8 is a communication sequence diagram 200 for a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. At an initial stage, the user 15connects to and sets up the software application 130 running on thecomputer 110. The software application 130, via a wireless transceiveron the computer 110, connects to the controller 45 of the device 25through a wireless transceiver 65. The controller 45 confirms the set upwith the software application 130. The software application 130registers IMU data with the controller 45. The controller 45 confirmsthe registration with the software application 130. The controller 45sends a request for IMU sensor data from the IMU sensor 40. The IMUsensor 40 transmits the IMU data to the software application 130, andthe software application 130 processes the IMU data and displays asignal for the user 15. When the user 15 is finished, a disconnectsignal is transmitted to the software application 130, which transmitsthe signal to the controller 45. The controller 45 transmits a successconfirmation to the software application 130.

FIG. 9 is block diagram of components for a device of a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. The first circuit board 31 preferablycomprises a processor 45, a charging circuit 55, a buzz pad 50, aBLUETOOTH low energy chip 65, SDIO (secure digital input/output) pinarray 44 b, an AIO (asynchronous input/output) pin array 46, anexpansion array programming board 47, a USB port 48, a battery jack 49,and a first sensor (IMU) 40 b. The second circuit board 32 preferablyincludes a SDIO pin array 44 a and a second sensor (IMU) 40 a.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the first circuit board 31.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user utilizing a system 100 formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. The user is a wearing a device 25 b(a fingerless glove) on his/her hand 15 a while typing on a keyboard 150of a laptop computer 110. The computer 110 has a display screen 115, andis running a software application for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome.The device 25 b includes a body 30, a first circuit board, a secondcircuit board 32, a first sensor 40 a on the second circuit board 32, asecond sensor 40 b on the first circuit board 31, and a wire 41connected between the circuit boards 31 and 32. When the user's hand isin a poor carpal position (in this example, down hand carpal), a signal66 is sent from the wireless transceiver of the first circuit board 31to a wireless transceiver of the computer 110. The signal 66 is acommunication that the user is in a poor carpal position. The softwareapplication running on the computer 110 receives the communication andwill generate a warning (e.g., a pop-up message) of the poor carpalposition.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of a system 100 for monitoringcarpal tunnel syndrome. In this embodiment, a smartwatch 110 b isutilized with a device 25 comprising a sensor 40. A sensor in thesmartwatch 110 b is utilized in conjunction with the sensor 40 of thedevice 25 to determine an improper hand position for a user. Both thedevice 25 and the smartwatch 110 b are capable of transmitting wirelesssignals to the computer 110.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a mobile device 110 b utilized with asystem 100 for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. The mobile device(mobile phone, smartwatch, tablet computer) 110 b preferably comprisesan accelerometer 301, a headphone jack 302, a microphone jack 303, aspeaker 304, a GPS chipset 305, a Bluetooth component 306, a Wi-Ficomponent 307, a 3G/4G component 308, a Baseband Processor (for radiocontrol) 309, an applications (or main) processor 310, a JTAG (debugger)311, a SDRAM memory 312, a Flash memory 313, SIM card 314, LCD display315, a camera 316, a power management circuit 317 and a battery or powersource 318.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a server 170 utilized with a system formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. Components of the server 170 of thesystem 100 includes a CPU component 401, a graphics component 402,PCI/PCI Express 403, memory 404, non-removable storage 407, removablestorage 408, Network Interface 409, including one or more connections toa fixed network, and SQL database(s) 450 a-450 d, which includes thevenue's CRM. Included in the memory 404 is an operating system 405, aSQL server 406 or other database engine, and computer programs/software410. The server 170 also includes at least one computer programconfigured to receive data uploads and store the data uploads in the SQLdatabase.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a computer 110 of a system 100 formonitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. The computer 110 has a keyboard 150,a mouse 151 and a display screen 115. The computer 110 also preferablyincludes a CPU, a graphics module, memory, a PCH, a USB an audio module,a SATA module, a BIOS module, a super I/O module, a network connection,and a PCI-E.

FIG. 15A illustrates a good carpal use of a mouse 151 by a user whereinthe user's hand 15 a is at a zero angle 10 relative to the user's wrist15 c.

FIG. 15B illustrates an angled-hand carpal use of a mouse 151 by a userwherein a user's hand 15 a is at an inward angle 10 relative to a user'swrist 15 c.

FIG. 15C illustrates an angled-hand carpal use of a mouse 151 by a userwherein a user's hand 15 a is at an outward angle 10 relative to auser's wrists 15 c.

FIG. 16A illustrates a good carpal use of a keyboard 150 by a userwherein the user's hands 15 a are at a zero angle 10 relative to theuser's wrist 15 c.

FIG. 16B illustrates an angled-hand carpal use of a keyboard 150 by auser wherein a user's hands 15 a are at an inward angle 10 relative to auser's wrists 15 c.

FIG. 16C illustrates an angled-hand carpal use of a keyboard 150 by auser wherein a user's hands 15 a are at an outward angle 10 relative toa user's wrists 15 c.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of circuitry for an alternative embodiment ofa device of a system for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. This deviceincludes a vibration motor, ADC input arrays, a power charging circuit,a USB connector, LEDs, and a microprocessor with an integrated BLUETOOTHwireless chip.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a device of asystem for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. The circuit board 31 c ofthe device includes a vibration motor 71, an analog flex sensor 40, ananalog potentiometer 74, a power charging circuit 55, a USB connector48, a battery 49 a, an audio module 72, and a microprocessor with anintegrated BLUETOOTH wireless chip 65.

FIGS. 19 and 19A illustrate an alternative embodiment of a device 25 bfor monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome on a hand of a user.

FIG. 20 a communication sequence diagram 250 for an alternativeembodiment of a system for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome. At aninitial stage, the user 15 connects to and sets up the softwareapplication 130 running on the computer 110. The software application130, via a wireless transceiver on the computer 110, connects to thecontroller 45 of the device 25 through a wireless transceiver 65. Thecontroller 45 confirms the set up with the software application 130. Thesoftware application 130 registers angle/flex data with the controller45. The controller 45 confirms the registration with the softwareapplication 130. The controller 45 sends a request for angle/flex datafrom the angle flex sensor 40. The angle/flex sensor 40 transmits theangle/flex data to the software application 130, and the softwareapplication 130 processes the angle/flex data and displays a signal forthe user 15. When the user 15 is finished, a disconnect signal istransmitted to the software application 130, which transmits the signalto the controller 45. The controller 45 transmits a success confirmationto the software application 130.

The angle/flex sensor 40 is preferably a FLEXPOINT sensor(FLXT-252-1-001). In operation, as the angle flex sensor 40 bends, theresistance of the sensor 40 changes, with a 180 degrees bend having aresistance as much as two-times a flat resistance of the angle/flexsensor 40. A voltage from the angle/flex sensor 40 is read to monitorthe user's hand position when using a mouse or keyboard. If the voltagechanges a pre-determined amount, then an alert is transmitted. In apreferred embodiment, a 33 degrees movement of a user's hand up or down,relative a base, good hand position, will result in an alert. Also, a 15degrees movement of a user's hand to the right or left, relative a base,good hand position, will result in an alert.

Preferably a BGM113 BTLE chipset with a CORTEX M4 processor from SiliconLabs is the combination wireless transceiver and processor chipsetutilized with CTS device. Preferably a lithium polymer 80 milliampspower battery is utilized with the CTS device. Preferably a ST MicroFS-L-0095-103-ST IMU sensor is utilized with the CTS device.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a network 1000 for monitoring carpaltunnel syndrome. Data from mobile phone 1010 a, PC 1010 b and PC 1010 cis sent to the cloud 1015, where files 1020 and transferred to databases1401 a, 1040 b and 1040 c before being processed at 1005.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a monitoring device 1025, with a bendsensor 1030 and a target icon 1001 on an elbow 15 a of a user.

FIG. 23 is a communication sequence diagram 1050 for a security protocolfor a system for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome showingcommunications between a device 1051, an application 1052, a server1053, and a database 1054.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D are illustrations of a mechanicalalignment sensor 1065 having a computing board 1055, a sensor 1056, analignment hole 1058, and optional glide plane 1057, an alignment channel1059, an alignment cap 1060, a fabric clip 1061, a sleeve fabric 1066,and a fabric channel 1067. A whole assembly 1070 is shown in FIG. 25D.

A cubital tunnel sleeve device 1070 is shown in FIG. 26, and it includesa computing board 1055, a sensor 1056, a fabric channel 1067, a fabricclip 1061, a sleeve fabric 1066 for padding on a user's elbow 15 a asshown in FIG. 29.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are illustrations of a sensor gap. A sensor housing1071 has a pot wheel 1072, a PCB 1073, a bend sensor 1075 and an openingof a housing 1076.

FIG. 27 is a communication sequence diagram 1080 for a data upload for asystem for monitoring carpal tunnel syndrome showing communicationsbetween a sensor 1085, a device 1081, an application 1082, a server1083, and a database 1084.

FIG. 30 shows a C-TIM 1090 on a hand 15 a of a user. The C-TIM 1090, inthe form of a glove, has a sensor 1092 and a computing board 1091.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinentart will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention andwill readily understand that while the present invention has beendescribed in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and otherembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changesmodification and substitutions of equivalents may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which isintended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in thefollowing appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention inwhich an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in thefollowing appended claims.

I claim as my invention the following:
 1. A device for monitoringCubital tunnel syndrome (“CuTS”), the device comprising: a bodyconfigured to be worn on an arm of a user; a plurality of sensors; aprocessor positioned within the body and in communication with theplurality of sensors; a vibration mechanism positioned within the bodyand in communication with the processor; and a power source positionedwithin the body and in communication with the processor; wherein theplurality of sensors monitors a position of the user's upper arm andforearm to prevent CuTS wherein a resistance of the plurality of sensorschanges when the user's elbow is bent; wherein a voltage from theplurality of sensors is monitored by the processor; wherein theprocessor of the article is configured to determine if the user's upperarm and forearm are in a CuTS position and the processor is configuredto activate an alert signal when a pre-determined change in the value ofthe voltage from the plurality of sensors is sent to the processor toalert the user to the CuTS position.
 2. The device according to claim 1wherein the plurality of sensors is a plurality of inertia measurementunits (IMU), which includes: accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometercapabilities.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the pluralityof sensors is a plurality of piezo electric sensors.
 4. The deviceaccording to claim 2 further comprising a plurality of LEDs forindication of proper arm position.
 5. The device according to claim 1further comprising a plurality of LEDs for indication of proper armposition.
 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the vibrationmechanism indicates an arm position.
 7. The device of claim 1 whereinthe device is a sleeve worn around the elbow.
 8. The device of claim 1wherein the device is affixed directly to the skin.
 9. A system formonitoring cubital tunnel syndrome (“CuTS”) according to claim 1 furthercomprising: a computing device comprising a display screen, a processor,a wireless transceiver, and a software application; wherein the alertsignal is received at the wireless transceiver of the computer and theapplication is configured to display a warning on the display screen toalert the user to the CuTS position.
 10. The system of claim 9 whereinthe alert signal is an audio alert, a visual alert, or the vibrationmechanism being executed on the device.
 11. The system of claim 9wherein the alert signal can be configured by the user for differentenvironments.
 12. A device for monitoring Cubital tunnel syndrome(“CuTS”), the device comprising: a body configured to be worn on an armof a user; a sensor; a processor positioned within the body and incommunication with the sensor; a vibration mechanism positioned withinthe body and in communication with the processor; and a power sourcepositioned within the body and in communication with the processor;wherein the sensor monitors a position of the user's upper arm andforearm to prevent CuTS wherein a resistance of the sensor changes whenthe user's elbow is bent; wherein a voltage from the sensor is monitoredby the processor; wherein the processor of the article is configured todetermine if the user's upper arm and forearm are in a CuTS position andthe processor is configured to activate an alert signal when apre-determined change in the value of the voltage from the sensor issent to the processor to alert the user to the CuTS position.